5 Week Old Baby Development

What can you expect when your baby is five weeks old?

You’re already in the second month of your baby’s new life, and will probably feel like the time is flying by. As the days continue, we’re sure you have a few questions about your little one’s development. Here you can find all the answers you need about week five…

How should a 5-week-old baby be physically developing?

Babies usually have their first real growth spurt between 4-6 weeks. Usually gaining around 140-200 grams per week, this week your baby will likely be closer to the 200 gram mark.

With their hearing fully developed, their eyes are close behind, it’s a great time to get out the colourful, musical baby toys and test those new senses.

How should a 5-week-old baby be cognitively developing?

Your baby’s ability to focus should be improving now and they will likely be able to focus both their eyes on one object. You might notice they’re more interested in complex colours and patterns as they begin to see more detail in the world. Of course, their memory is still developing and so they will quickly forget the objects they could focus on. However, they’re sure to remember your voice and scent by now, so keep cuddling and talking to them for some soothing baby bonding.

How much should a 5-week-old baby be sleeping?

Finally, you’ll start to notice your baby is much more alert. They’re now likely to be awake for around ten hours a day, as oppose to six in previous weeks. That means it’s a great time to start establishing a sleeping routine, as you’re definitely due some rest by now! You can help them establish the difference between night and day by following simple steps like keeping the house bright and noise levels normal in the daytime. Of course, every baby is different and what works for one might not work for your baby. It’s all about finding the best sleeping routine for you.

How much should a 5-week-old baby be eating?

Since this week is one for growth spurts and improved cognitive development, it’s normal to find your baby is hungrier than usual. Keep in line with general advice to feed about 150ml-200ml per kilo of their weight, but make sure to follow your baby's lead- they’ll still know just how much food is right for them at this stage.

If you’re breastfeeding, it may also be a good time to think about expressing. It’s best to wait until your baby is used to breastfeeding before you introduce a new variation, but after five weeks you’ll hopefully be getting the hang of things. If you’re still struggling, seek some medical advice and check out these top tips and answers to these breastfeeding FAQ’s from lactation expert, Sioned Hilton.

5-week-old baby: Dealing with Colic

Colic is defined as uncontrollable crying for hours on end, three times a week for at least three weeks. If you’re struggling with colic know that you’re not alone and it’s nothing that you’re doing – in fact, this is a condition that affects up to 40% of babies. Take a trip to your doctors and read our best advice to help your baby through colic.

How much should a 5-week-old baby be pooing?

It might sound obvious, but with the increase in food comes the increase in poo! That said, you’re more likely concerned with what your baby is pooing not how much they are… in which case we have a great poo colour chart for you to investigate.

Milestones of a 5-week-old baby

Holding their head up: Your baby's neck is getting stronger which means they’re finally holding their head up. Granted it’s most likely only for a few moments while they lay on their stomach or sit in their car seat, but it’s still a milestone to be proud of.

First smile: If you haven’t already, this week your more than likely to see your baby’s first smiles. Trust us, it will make five weeks of sleep deprivation seem like a distant memory.

What problems should parents of a 5-week-old baby be aware of?

Constipation: Is all that extra food seemingly going nowhere? Your baby may be constipated. Look out for a loss of appetite, crying and discomfort before doing a poo, less than three bowel movements a week or a dry hard poo. If you notice these things, contact your GP.

Sleep deprivation: Interrupted sleep getting you down? Check out our list of energy boosting foods and how to disguise those sleepless nights with some fabulous mummy beauty buys. No one will blame you for looking and feeling exhausted, but these can give you a boost for those extra-long days.

Postnatal Depression: With the baby blue’s well and truly in the past, you should start to feel more settled in your hormones. However, if your overwhelmed by the feeling that everything could go wrong and it’s all your fault, you may be experiencing postnatal depression. It happens to one in ten women, and is nothing to be ashamed of. Speak to your doctor if you’re worried and check out our tips for noticing the key differences between the baby blues and postnatal depression.

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